Making a comeback: Design choices from the past can work well today

That outmoded living room has seen better days. Ditto when it comes to your master bath. And there’s a reason that spare bedroom doesn’t deserve any overnight guests.

If it’s been a while, there’s no time like the present to ponder giving key areas of your home a face-lift.

You can get a head start on worthy trends for 2025 by listening to the experts, many of whom will tell you that — when it comes to interior design — what goes around comes around. In other words, trends from long ago can resurface and prove popular today.

“Design trends can offer inspiration, helping you think outside the box and discover combinations of colors, materials, and layouts you might not have considered,” explains Chenise Freidus, a home stager with ZFC Real Estate in Boca Raton, Florida. “These trends often highlight innovative ways to make a space feel fresh and functional, whether through sustainable materials or by mixing bold colors with neutral accents.”

Moreover, following and adopting trends can help you stay relevant, incorporate timeless elements that won’t quickly feel dated, and add resale value to your home, which is smart if you plan to list and sell your property anytime soon.

The truth is that nearly everything eventually becomes outmoded and passe. Sooner or later, you’ll have to modernize a room or zone of your home to keep up with the times. But the good news is that some surprising interior design trends are making a comeback in 2025.

Chris Langley, an interior designer with Heritage Windows, says one example of this is “maximalism.”

“Maximalism is exemplified by outrageous prints, diverse service fabrics, and assorted decorations — the opposite of the sparsity and minimalism we have grown accustomed to. Think jewel-toned velvets, complex wallpaper, and lavish accessories,” he says. “This decor style works best in a living room or dining room to induce interest and prompt discussions.”

Elissa Hall, an interior designer with Awning.com, points to another trend that’s risen from the dead: the Art Deco style.

“It’s Art Deco, but with a contemporary twist. Think bold geometric patterns, rich colors, and luxurious materials like marble and brass,” explains Hall. “This revival is partly because of the desire for spaces that feel both glamorous and curated, which Art Deco offers in spades.”

One resurgent trend is using vintage and upcycled furniture, driven by a growing awareness of sustainability and the charm of unique, storied pieces.

“It’s a rejection of the mass-produced, instead favoring the personal touch and character that vintage items bring,” Hall notes.

Another unexpected trend is bold wallpaper, with nature-inspired or geometric patterns returning to dining areas and living rooms.

“Bold print wallcoverings add personality and depth to spaces, moving away from the minimalist white walls that dominated the past decade,” Hall points out.

Velvet furniture is also coming back, adding luxurious and tactile elements to bedrooms or lounges. And don’t look now, but Terrazzo is also on the rebound.

“While most people associate Terrazzo with floors from the 1970s, it is appearing again, this time in countertops, backsplashes, and even furniture. The new version only has bright colors, adding a playful aspect to serious services like bathrooms and kitchens,” Langley continues.

“Retro color royalty” is a further trend that proves what is old is new again, as evidenced by the surprising popularity of earth tones like mustard yellow, burnt orange, and avocado green.

“Living rooms or dens are best for these colors since they are designed for comfort as well as looking back,” says Langley.

It may not be a retro-themed movement, but the increased use of natural materials like reclaimed wood, cork, and natural stone excites homeowners, too.

“These materials not only bring a tactile quality to interiors but also contribute to the overall narrative of sustainability,” Hall continues.

Whatever trend strikes your fancy, try to incorporate it in small proportions first.

“There’s no need to go overboard in the eagerness of embracing a trend that will likely become irrelevant several years from now,” Langley cautions. “Mix in some trendy accessories but retain some classic styles, as well.”